Hertta-Maria Amutenja
A group of mothers staying at CHICA House in Windhoek have called for increased support as they care for their children undergoing cancer treatment at health facilities in the capital.
CHICA, which stands for Children with Cancer, is a facility operated by the Cancer Association of Namibia.
It provides temporary accommodation for mothers and children who travel from outside Windhoek for medical appointments.
The house, which opened in April 2017, can host up to seven mothers and their children at a time.
While the shelter provides relief, mothers staying there say the emotional and financial toll remains heavy.
“I was brought here because I don’t have family who can support me in Windhoek. But even if I did, they don’t care. It’s been two months now. They removed his kidney. What I was doing before, I lost it. I don’t work anymore,” said Gisela Nambundu, a mother whose child is receiving treatment for kidney cancer.
Nambundu noted that CHICA provides food and essential supplies, and donors have helped with various needs. However, she raised concerns about the lack of government support for families in similar situations.
“They must not stop here because we are facing a lot of needs and problems. Why doesn’t the government help the children to get money for grants, like the elderly?” she asked.
Another mother, who requested anonymity, expressed her ongoing concerns about the financial and emotional strain of staying at CHICA.
“There are women here who had to leave everything behind. Some gave up jobs and homes. The emotional weight is already a lot, and now they don’t even know how to get through the next day,” she said.
The Cancer Association of Namibia recognised the significant challenges faced by children undergoing cancer treatment and their mothers, especially those who travel long distances for medical appointments.
“The Cancer Association of Namibia identified a critical need for children battling cancer and their mothers, particularly those travelling from distant regions for medical follow-ups,” said Barseba Tjiposa, Matron of CHICA.
In response to this need, Tjiposa said the association set up CHICA House to offer a supportive space for families while they wait for treatment.
“To address this need, the association established CHICA House, providing a supportive environment for families during their waiting periods for treatment. The facility features three bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, and a bathroom and accommodates up to 14 individuals,” she said.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Ministry of Health and Social Services regarding available financial or social support for families in these situations were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
The Cancer Association has encouraged the public to assist through donations of food, toiletries, or financial aid to help ease the burden on the affected families.
